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Showing posts from August, 2009

Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign (not cancer) growths in the uterus. They are the most common type of growth found in a woman’s pelvis. In some women, fibroids remain small and do not cause symptoms or problems. However, in some women, fibroids can cause problems because of their size, number, and location. Types of Fibroids Uterine fibroids are growths that develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus. They also are called leiomyomas or myomas. The size, shape, and location of fibroids can vary greatly. They may be present inside the uterus, on its outer surface or within its wall, or attached to it by a stem-like structure. Fibroids can range in size from small, pea-sized growths to large, round ones that may be more than 5–6 inches wide. As they grow, they can distort the inside as well as the outside of the uterus. Sometimes fibroids grow large enough to completely fill the pelvis or abdomen. A woman may have only one fibroid or many of varying sizes. Whether fibroids will oc...

Bipolar disorder

What is bipolar disorder? Bipolar disorder is an illness that causes extreme mood changes from manic episodes of very high energy to the extreme lows of depression. It is also called manic-depressive disorder. This illness can cause behavior so extreme that you cannot function at work, in family or social situations, or in relationships with others. Some people with bipolar disorder become suicidal. Having this disorder can make you feel helpless and hopeless. But you are not alone. Talking with others who suffer from it may help you learn that there is hope for a better life. And treatment can help you get back in control. Family members often feel helpless when a loved one is depressed or manic. If your loved one has bipolar disorder, you may want to get counseling for yourself. Therapy can also help a child who has a bipolar parent. What causes bipolar disorder? The cause of bipolar disorder is not completely understood. We know that it runs in families. It may also be a...

Nasal polyps

What are nasal polyps? Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growths that develop in the lining of the nose or sinuses. They result from chronic inflammation in the lining. What triggers the inflammation is not always clear. Nasal polyps can affect anyone, they are more common in adults older than 40 and in adults and children with conditions such as asthma, chronic sinus infections (chronic sinusitis), hay fever (chronic rhinitis) and cystic fibrosis — a serious, inherited disorder that causes respiratory, digestive and reproductive problems. What are the causes? Nasal polyps are not a disease. They are the end product of the ongoing inflammation that may result from viral or bacterial infections, from allergies or from an immune system response to fungus. Chronic inflammation causes the blood vessels in the lining of the nose and sinuses to become more permeable, allowing water to accumulate in the cells. Over time, as gravity pulls on these waterlogged tissues, they may deve...

Asthma

Asthma Asthma is a disease of the airways of the lungs which is characterized by increased sensitivity of the airways to a variety of triggers. It is generally an episodic disease, i.e., acute attacks followed by symptom free periods. Though most attacks are generally short lived, sometimes serious conditions occur in which severe Asthma is unrelieved for many hours or even days, like in status asthmaticus. Who is affected? It occurs in all age groups, but is found to be more common in children. It tends to affect both sexes equally. Types of Asthma: There are two types of Asthma--- Allergic and Idiosyncratic. Allergic Asthma: This type is often associated with personal or family history of other types of allergic diseases like hay fever, rhinitis, eczema etc. The offending agents causing Asthma: Environment and air pollution. Certain drugs like Aspirin. Occupational factors like working with animal skins, chemicals, stone dust etc. Infections of the chest or Upper res...

Back pain

Following any period of prolonged inactivity, begin a program of regular low-impact exercises. Speed walking, swimming, or stationary bike riding 30 minutes a day can increase muscle strength and flexibility. Yoga can also help stretch and strengthen muscles and improve posture. Ask your physician or orthopedist for a list of low‑impact exercises appropriate for your age and designed to strengthen the lower back and abdominal muscles. l Always stretch before exercise or other strenuous physical activity. l Don’t slouch when standing or sitting. When standing, keep your weight balanced on your feet. Your back supports weight most easily when curvature is reduced. l At home or work, make sure your work surface is at a comfortable height for you.

Bad breadth

How to avoid bad breadth Maintain good oral health, this is essential for reducing bad breath. Brush you teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque, brush your tongue too. Once a day, use floss or an inter-dental cleaner to clean between teeth. Use an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day, especially before bedtime to kill bacteria that may be in your mouth. Go for regular checkups to your dentist to detect any problems such as periodontal (gum) disease, a dry mouth or other disorders that may cause halitosis. Visit an oral hygienist regularly Use a tongue cleaner and clean right to the back of the tongue. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid too much coffee. Clean your mouth after eating dairy products, garlic, onions, spicy foods, fish and meat. Chew on some parsley after eating these foods. Chew sugar-free gum, especially if your mouth feels dry to increase the flow of saliva. Eat less meat. Eat fresh and fibrous vegetables. Other gener...

Muscle pain , myalgia ,muscle

Muscle pain Muscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle. Muscle pain also can involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia, the soft tissues that connect muscles, bones, and organs. Myalgia means "muscle pain" and is a symptom of many diseases and disorders. The most common causes are the overuse or over-stretching of a muscle or group of muscles. Myalgia without a traumatic history is often due to viral infections. Longer-term myalgias may be indicative of a metabolic myopathy, some nutritional deficiencies or chronic fatigue syndrome. Fibromyalgia is a common condition characterized by long-term, body-wide pain and tender points in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety. Causes The cause of this disorder is unknown. Physical or emotional trauma may play a role in development of the syndrome. S...

premature aging causes

I know that you want to be healthy. Alkalizing food can make you healthy. When you are 25 years old, you have to know that this is the age of decline. Some people still look good by age 50 plus, but some already look old by age 30. This is premature aging. Premature aging can be caused by acidity in the body. Acidity is caused by our food intake. If we watch our food intake, we can change our health for the better. When I turned 33, I never thought that I will feel so old and weary. I felt aches and pains in my joints and muscles, I felt migraine headaches, I always felt sick and tired, and I was getting symptoms of some major illnesses that I never had before. Little did I know that I was already acidic. Because Western diet is already really acidic, I did not know that I was eating a lot of acidic foods. I only learned about acidity and alkalizing food, and it literally saved my life. You too can turn your health around. Just follow the simple tips below. 1. Eat more fru...

Diabetic foot care

India is considered the world"s diabetes capital.There is an alarming rise in the number of diabetecs from 19 million in 1995 to 41 million in 2007.The figure is expected to reach 70 million in 2025. Indians tend to be diabetic at a relatively younger age than in the west.Almost 50 percent of diabetics are admitted to hospitals due to infection or gangrene of the feet, a condition commonly referred to as "diabetic foot". Most cases lead to amputation of the affected foot. Diabetic foot is broadly classified into four categories. 1.Patients with normal sensation and normal circulation. 2. Patients with reduced sensation and but normal circulation. 3. Patients with normal sensation but reduced circulation. Patients in the second and fourth categories are at a risk of developing recurrent non healing leg wounds, some face the risk of losing their limbs.

Diagnosis Treatment

Diabetes control is the first step. Detect and treat risk factors such as high cholestrol , uric acid ,and homocysteine levels and watch out for associate system involvement such as retinopathy , neuropathy and ischemic heart diseases as they are relevant in further treatment. Test for culture of organisms and sensitivity to antibiotics. Use appropriate dressing and start a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Also check for level and extent of block of the arterial blood vessels. Physicians should take care to prepare the kidneys for the dye used during limb angiography. To improve blood circulation to the legs , blood thinners ( aspirin , clopidogrel ) cholestrol lowering drugs ( statin ) ,haemorrheological agents (cilostazol ), can be taken on the advice of doctors. Angioplasty and stenting ( similar to that used in heart vessels ) can also be done. Or if the block is too long , bypass ia an option. Once the circulation improves, doctors can go for a debridement ( a process where ...

Prevent diabetes

Take care of your feet and maintain good pedal hygiene. Clean your feet, including nail bed, soles and web spaces,with a mild soap and lukewarm water. Use a soft, dry towel or a hair dryer to clean the space between the toes. Dry , cracked skin causes irritation and infection. Using a moisturising cream over the foot and the soles protects the skin but it should not be applied in the web spaces that are prone to fungal infection. Trim nails carefully , as injury can cause infection. Use shoes that are broad in the front and use the correct size. It is important to have one finger space behind the foot when the shoe is worn. Use dry, padded socks. Before wearing your shoes check inside for rough spots or foreign objects. Be careful while using new footwear to avoid shoe bite. Do not place anything hot on the feet like a hot water bag and heating pad. Avoid walking barefoot on the beach or in places of worship. Do not soak feet in water for more than five minutes or reuse wet, s...

Diagnosis

Identify the duartion of diabetes.Longer the period, hegher the risk. Maintain a record of fasting and post lunch /post dinner blood sugar levels. Measure glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C) for three months.The ideal figure is 6. Monitor change in the shape of the toes and foot. Get someone to touch the foot with a cotton swab to test if the person can feel the sensation with eyes closed. Check the temperature of the foot and check for foot arterial pulsations by a doctor. If the foot remains cold, or pulsations are absent it could mean that blood circulation is reduced.

Diabetes foot care

India is considered the world"s diabetes capital.There is an alarming rise in the number of diabetecs from 19 million in 1995 to 41 million in 2007.The figure is expected to reach 70 million in 2025. Indians tend to be diabetic at a relatively younger age than in the west.Almost 50 percent of diabetics are admitted to hospitals due to infection or gangrene of the feet, a condition commonly referred to as "diabetic foot". Most cases lead to amputation of the affected foot. Diabetic foot is broadly classified into four categories. 1.Patients with normal sensation and normal circulation. 2. Patients with reduced sensation and but normal circulation. 3. Patients with normal sensation but reduced circulation. Patients in the second and fourth categories are at a risk of developing recurrent non healing leg wounds, some face the risk of losing their limbs.

Garlic

Garlic is not only a splendid ingredient in many recipes ( it is one of my favorite herbs to cook with ), Garlic has beneficial properties that help protect the body by fighting disease and promoting health. Garlic is nature's antibiotic. Garlic helps to fight infections, colds and flu by boosting the immune system. Garlic also has ingredients that fight viruses and kills bacteria. Garlic is great for the heart and can help lower blood pressure. It is used in the treatment of arteriosclerosis, asthma, arthritis, cancer, digestive problems and circulatory issues. Garlic is helpful in all diseases, infections and bacteria. One draw back though. Too much garlic, while not harmful to your body, does get excreted through your pores and oral cavity. This means you can stink. To get all of the health benefits of garlic, cook with it whenever you can and supplement your diet with odorless garlic capsules. The garlic in the capsules is utilized by the body, but no stinking afterwards, jus...

cough and cold

Cough cure at home Honey is well accepted way of providing cough relief. One way to us it effectively is to combine it with the curative properties of the onion. To get rid of an irritating cough, pour 2 teaspoons of honey on a freshly cut slice of onion. Cover it and let is lie for four to five hours. Then take one teaspoon of this honey after removing the onion piece. You will find immediate relief. Repeat the second teaspoon after three to four hours. Another remedy effective in cough with a cold is as follows. Take one onion, five basil leaves, two cloves and five peppercorns in 200 ml of water. Boil them together till the water reduces by half. Sip this hot concoction, thrice daily to find substantial relief from cough and cold. A persistent allergic cough is very irritating. It dies not seem to go away easily and keeps the patient irritated all day long. If you can't find a cause, try this cure. Take a guava (fruit) and bake it in an oven. Eat this baked guava once a...

Panic attack!

Panic attack Do you experience symptoms like: A Racing Heart Chest Pain Palpitations Difficulty breathing Headaches Sweats Bowel Troubles Nausea General Fatigue Dizziness Insomnia Butterflies in the Stomach Difficulty Swallowing It may be a panic attack.

Acid reflux!

Acid reflux GERD - Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Acid reflux GERD-Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease and refers to the backward flow of acid from the stomach up into the esophagus. GERD, known as acid reflux or persistent heartburn, is a chronic disorder. GERD may cause the following symptoms: Burning sensation. It may improve or worsen after eating food. Bitter or sour taste in the throat. Trouble swallowing. Cough or wheeze. Upset stomach. Hoarse voice or sore throat. GERD is generally diagnosed by a gastroenterologist through physical examinations, x-rays, and endoscopies. Complications may include chest pain sometimes mimicking a heart attack, a narrowing or obstruction of the esophagus, vomiting, shortness of breath. GERD  is caused when the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes, allowing stomach acid to flow backward. This will cause a burning sensation. Treatment includes internal medication and lifestyle chang...

Acne/natural acne cures/effective acne treatment!

Acne/natural acne cures/effective acne treatment Simple Tips for Preventing Acne Acne is a problem that all of us have fought against at some point in our lives. For many of us,  it's an affliction that will never go away no matter how old we might be. Acne Wash your face often. You should clean your face often at least 3 times a day. This should help in keeping your face clear of microbes and grease all day long.